7/09/2015

Chubb Acquisition by ACE May Lead to Limited Choices

Insurance Business America is reporting the upcoming acquisition of Chubb by ACE may lead to limited choices for high net worth individuals who seek to insurance valuable property such as fine art and luxury items. The post notes at the beginning of the year there were 5 main groups insuring high net worth individuals, not through mergers there will only be three. Beyond limited choice, there are also concerns about higher premiums and interruptions in service.

Chubb has been a great partner for the International Society of Appraisers, working together to expand educational opportunities for collectors, appraisers and insurance professionals.

Insurance Busintess America reports on the acquisition

ACE’s $28.3 billion deal to purchase Chubb has sent a “shockwave” through the property/casualty industry and limited choices for high-net-worth clients, independent insurance agents say.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, agents active in the high-net-worth market fielded many calls from clients when news of the takeover broke last week. Many were worried over potential interruptions in service and changes in pricing – something that could translate to greater shopping around.

“It’s a shockwave through the property-and-casualty insurance industry,” Marc Eagan, a broker in Metairie, Louisiana, told the newspaper.

The acquisition – which will see the combined company use the Chubb name – is the latest in a series of moves that have consolidated the high-net-worth market. At the beginning of the year, there were five major insurers active in the sector. Now, there are three: ACE/Chubb, American International Group and Privilege Underwriters’ PURE Group of Insurance Cos.

Fierce competition and downward pressure on pricing are the root causes of merger and acquisition activity in this market, which serves the home, auto and other insurance needs of individuals with a net worth of $5 million.

The combined ACE/Chubb company is expected to control nearly $6 billion in annual written premiums on personal insurance, with $4.6 billion in premiums from the high-net-worth market. And with other personal lines players like Allstate and State Farm ill-equipped to serve the sophisticated needs of the ultra-rich, agents have fewer and fewer choices to consider in their attempts to source risk.

Still, some see reason to be optimistic.

“We have witnessed a tremendous amount of innovation and competition amongst the insurance carriers in terms of new coverages and services to attract the most desirable high-net-worth clientele,” said Miami-based broker Ray Celedinas. “This has generally been very good for consumers by broadening coverage and driving down prices.”

Added Spencer Houldin, another insurance broker, “These are very aggressive companies and they’re going to do everything they can do to retain the business.”

ACE said the acquisition of Chubb will further entrench the company in the high-net-worth market and “deliver the finest service with the most talented professionals.”

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The Appraiser Workshops blog was developed in 2008 to publish news connected with the personal property profession and to promote the Appraiser Workshops. Content includes appraisal ideas and tips, industry news and events, market trends and updates, surveys, educational opportunities and general commentary about personal property appraising. Visit often. Comments, news, suggestions and content contributions are always welcome.

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Todd W. Sigety, is a certified member of the International Society of Appraisers and is a partner in the Appraiser Workshop, developers of the Good, Better, "Best" Appraiser Workshop. He owns two Antique galleries in Old Town Alexandria, VA where the workshop is held. He currently serves as the President on the National Board of Directors for the International Society of Appraisers. He is also the creator and editor of the Journal of Advanced Appraisal Studies.

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